Satin Pothos
Not a true pothos, but it trails like one: matte, heart-shaped leaves in deep green splashed with silver, on vines that drape beautifully from a shelf. It wants a touch more light than golden pothos and dries out between waterings.
Satin pothos is sold as a pothos, cared for like a pothos, and is not one. It is a Scindapsus, a cousin from the same family, and the differences are worth knowing: the leaves are matte rather than glossy, thicker, and marked with silver; it wants a bit more light; and it curls its leaves inward when thirsty, which makes it one of the easiest plants to read.
It trails to four feet or more and looks best where the vines can hang: a high shelf, the top of a cabinet, a hanging basket. It also climbs a pole, and the leaves get larger when it does. The silver comes in several patterns, from fine speckles to leaves that are nearly all silver.
Light
Bright, indirect light shows off the silver best and keeps the leaves large. It tolerates a north window and medium light, where it grows slowly and greener. Direct sun scorches and fades the markings. The more silver the variety, the more light it needs; Platinum Java in a dim corner goes green.
Water
Let the top two inches dry out, then water thoroughly. About every eight days in summer and every two weeks in winter. The leaves curl into little tubes when it is thirsty and flatten within a day of watering. Do not water on a schedule; wait for the curl, or check the soil. It rots faster than golden pothos if kept wet.
Soil and potting
A chunky, well-draining mix with bark and perlite. Repot every eighteen months or so; it is happy slightly root-bound. Hanging baskets dry out faster, so watch them in summer.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed every four weeks from spring to early autumn. It is not a heavy feeder.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with a node, in water or damp mix. Roots in two to four weeks, a little slower than golden pothos. Pot several cuttings together for a full basket.
In a hot, dry home
A very good dry-home plant. Forty percent humidity is fine, the thick leaves resist crisping, and it would rather be too dry than too wet. It tells you clearly when it needs water, which suits the fast-drying pots of a hot house. Keep it out of the AC's direct stream and it will trail happily for years.
Satin Pothos varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Argyraeus
The classic form: small, evenly speckled silver dots on dark green. Usually what a plain "satin pothos" is.
- Silver Splash
Bigger leaves with bold silver blotches covering most of the surface. The showiest common form.
- Jade Satin
Plain deep green with no silver, thicker leaves, slower and pricier. A collector form.
- Jade Satin Albo
Jade Satin with cream-white variegation. Rare.
- Platinum Java
Almost entirely silver leaves with a thin green margin. Slower and needs bright light to hold the colour.
- Silver Streak
Narrow, elongated leaves with a silver mid-stripe, on a Scindapsus that stays compact.
Problems and fixes
Leaves curling inward
Likely cause: Thirsty
Fix: Water thoroughly; they flatten within a day.
Yellow leaves, soft stems
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let it dry deeper; check drainage.
Silver fading, leaves greener
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to a brighter, filtered spot.
Brown crispy patches
Likely cause: Direct sun
Fix: Move it back from the window.
Satin Pothos questions
Is satin pothos a real pothos?
No. It is Scindapsus pictus, a close relative in the same family. Care is nearly identical, but it wants a little more light and dries out more between waterings.
Why are the leaves curling?
It is thirsty. Satin pothos curls its leaves inward when the soil is dry and uncurls them after watering.
Is satin pothos safe for cats?
No. Like all aroids it is toxic if chewed. Hang it out of reach.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Scindapsus Moonlight
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Every 10 days
- Pets
- Toxic
Philodendron Micans
- Light
- Low to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
Cebu Blue Pothos
- Light
- Low to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
